It is with much sadness we announce the passing of our dear Kent. Kent leaves behind his wife Linda, children Michael (Chelsee), Marie, Matthew (Lisa), Mark, his 10 beloved grandchildren and brothers Jim (Sammi), Barry (Paris) and Niven (Caroline). Kent was born in New Westminster, BC, then moved to Port Alberni as a youngster and in 1973, he followed his parents to Victoria where he met his wife Linda in 1978 and married soon after in 1979. They started their family which began a brilliant adventure full of camping, road trips and family excursions which spanned from Vancouver Island, across B.C and throughout Alberta. Kent developed a love for cars and trucks at an early age and held on to that love through to his retirement years. Kent followed the family passion for municipal recreation and joined Saanich Parks and Recreation in 1977. He spent the next 35 years at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre where he was responsible for the facility maintenance. He developed a reputation around Saanich for having the cleanest and best maintained facility. He was a fixture at the facility and could be found there day and night keeping an eye to ensure things were just right. Kent loved his family. His four children and ten grandchildren kept a constant smile on his face. The annual summer vacation in Osoyoos was the highlight of the year for the whole family. Kent had a love for people in general and developed many friendships during his life. You could always find Kent at a “Tim’s”chatting it up with old and new friends. We will all miss Kent and feel much gratitude that his recent battle with ALS did not dampen his zest for life. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff at the Cridge for the care and love they gave Kent during his time there. We would also like to thank the staff at VGH ICU ward for their care of Kent and support to family in Kent’s final days. Donations in Kent’s honour may be made to the ALS Society of B.C.- Victoria Branch.
A Service will be held for Kent at Hope Evangelical Church, 1924 Carrick St., Victoria, BC on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3:00pm. Reception to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
13 Responses
Hi I’m Taylor Russell and I am 1 of Kent’s grand children and I am really sad about my papa passing. I’m still sad to this day about it but reading these comments makes me fill up with joy and puts a smile on my face and I’m sure that my papa would love that I’m writing this about him. I used to visit him at the hospital when he had ALS. I came out of that hospital crying evry day I went. I would go home and I would lay on my bed crying about it. I sometimes still do that today. My friends comfort me a lot and say “Are u ok?” or they would hug me and that’s my story.
Bye
He was my papa and I was his 1 of the 10 grandchildren. My dad is his oldest son Mike and we were all so sad I’m still sad to this day. Every time I read these comments I get filled with so much joy and a smile on my face.
A lot of my 20’s and 30’s were spent in the company of Linda and Kent (my brother and sister in law at the time). We brought up our young children together, and helped each other through bad times as well as being there for a lot of good times. Kent was always good-humored and kind, although he did have a rascally side to him as well. I will always remember that twinkle in his eyes. My condolences to all the family. Love, Kathleen